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UAE. Results of the MasterIndex of Consumer Confidence survey for the second half of 2006 shows that consumer confidence in the region remains strongly positive for the six months ahead. Saudi Arabia topped in overall consumer confidence with a score of 97.3 against 88.5 six months ago.

INTERNATIONAL. Among the companies expected to make announcements on developments is Tamdeen Shopping Centre Development Company (TSCD), Kuwait, which will update on the progress of two of its landmark ventures.

INTERNATIONAL. Middle East countries last year maintained relatively low living costs despite rising real estate prices, according to an annual worldwide ‘cost of living’ report conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). But pegging to the US Dollar, and the exclusion of accommodation costs from the report has, disguised some large increases in local prices.

INTENATIONAL. Apparel Group franchise agreement covers Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with the first store opening in Dubai in May and further developments for 2007 planned in Saudi Arabia.

INTERNATIONAL. Four-day meeting discusses finalising and implementing the union's procedures, such as splitting the customs revenues between member nations after ending the interim phase, previous accords signed by number nations and difficulties facing the union.

UAE. The Chairman of the British Business Group, Nick Dutt, has hailed this month's 'Britain in the Region' event as an ideal opportunity for British businesses established in the UAE to gain a foothold in markets across the Middle East.

INTERNATIONAL. Washington is moving away from the strategy it has followed since the early 2000s - of being the prime military force in regional conflicts - and is shifting the primary burden of fighting to regional powers while playing a secondary role.